U.S. patent application number 11/800723 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for toilet with reduced water usage.
Invention is credited to Terrence J. Andersen, Jeffrey L. Mueller.
Application Number | 20080276361 11/800723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39591424 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080276361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mueller; Jeffrey L. ; et
al. |
November 13, 2008 |
Toilet with reduced water usage
Abstract
A toilet is disclosed which has multiple branches of rim flow.
The branches each enter the rim at an angle, and then flow varied
distances around the rim. The flow preferably has a main path at
about the five o'clock/seven o'clock position, a secondary large
flow at about the one o'clock/eleven o'clock position.
Inventors: |
Mueller; Jeffrey L.;
(Plymouth, WI) ; Andersen; Terrence J.;
(Sheboygan, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUARLES & BRADY LLP
411 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 2040
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-4497
US
|
Family ID: |
39591424 |
Appl. No.: |
11/800723 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 11/08 20130101;
E03D 2201/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/420 |
International
Class: |
E03D 1/38 20060101
E03D001/38 |
Claims
1. A toilet, comprising: a bowl having an upper rim channel; and a
water distribution structure for delivering water from a water
supply to the bowl, the water distribution structure having an
entry suitable to link with the water supply and at least three
exit channels; wherein a first of the exit channels communicates
with the rim channel so as to provide at least a counter clockwise
flow around a first side of the rim channel if water is supplied to
the toilet; wherein a second of the exit channels communicates with
the rim channel so as to provide at least a clockwise flow around
an opposed side of the rim channel from the first side of the rim
channel if water is supplied to the toilet; wherein a third of the
exit channels communicates with a rearward portion of the rim
channel; wherein the rim channel has a first enlarged opening to
the bowl adjacent a rearward portion of the bowl; wherein the rim
channel has a second enlarged opening to the bowl adjacent a
forward portion of the bowl; and wherein the water distribution
structure is configured so that if water is delivered to the rim
channel a vortex of water will be developed in the bowl.
2. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the third exit channel is
configured to feed water to the rim channel at an angle relative to
the rim channel when water is supplied to the water distribution
structure.
3. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the first exit channel is
suitable to carry a greater volume of water than the second exit
channel.
4. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the first and second exit
channels are both suitable to carry greater volumes of water than
the third exit channel.
5. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the first exit channel is longer
than the second exit channel so that if water is supplied to the
water distribution structure water will first reach the rim channel
from the first exit channel as compared to the second exit
channel.
6. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the bowl has a forward-to-back
vertical central plane such that the first and third exit channels
link with the rim channel on one side of the vertical central plane
and the second exit channel links with the rim channel on an
opposite side of the vertical central plane from said one side of
the vertical central plane.
7. The toilet of claim 6, wherein the first and second enlarged
openings both have a central region on a same side of the vertical
central plane.
8. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the bowl is provided with an
integral rearward extension, the water distributor structure being
integrally formed along the rearward extension.
9. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the rim channel is an open rim
style rim channel in which a gap between sides of the rim channel
is varied in size along the circumference of the rim channel to
form openings of varied sizes.
10. A toilet, comprising: a bowl having an upper rim channel; and a
water distribution structure for delivering water from a water
supply to the bowl, the water distribution structure having an
entry suitable to link with the water supply and at least two exit
channels; wherein a first of the exit channels communicates with
the rim channel so as to provide both a counter clockwise flow and
a clockwise flow around a first side of the rim channel if water is
supplied to the toilet; wherein a second of the exit channels
communicates with the rim channel so as to provide a flow pattern
selected from the group consisting of clockwise flow and counter
clockwise flow around an opposed side of the rim channel from the
first side of the rim channel if water is supplied to the toilet;
wherein the rim channel has a first enlarged opening to the bowl
adjacent a rearward portion of the bowl; wherein the rim channel
has a second enlarged opening to the bowl adjacent a forward
portion of the bowl; and wherein the water distribution structure
is configured so that if water is delivered to the rim channel a
vortex of water will be developed in the bowl.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to toilets that can remove
waste from a toilet bowl efficiently with small amounts of
water.
[0004] Water shortages are serious problems in many regions. This
had led to government regulation regarding water use efficiency of
certain products. For example, some jurisdictions regulate the
maximum amount of water used by a toilet during a flush. While
usage of as much as 7 gallons per flush was conventional in the
early 1950s, current regulations in some jurisdictions require that
no more than 1.6 gallons of water be used per flush. There are
proposals to reduce the permitted usage further (e.g. to 1.2
gallons/flush).
[0005] Even when there is no governmental requirement restricting
water usage, environmentally conscious consumers often prefer low
water usage toilets. Moreover, water utilities are significantly
increasing the cost of water supply, providing yet another
motivation for consumers to prefer low water usage toilets.
[0006] As water usage per flush cycle is reduced, it is important
that cleaning efficiency remain at acceptable levels. If cleaning
efficiency is compromised, the consumer will in some situations be
led to flush a second time, frustrating the regulatory,
conservation, and cost savings goals.
[0007] Complicating matters is that in addition to cleaning the
bowl sides, the flush water has other functions. It is typically
used to form a gravity siphon which helps move the waste out of the
bowl. Also, the water is needed to rinse the bowl once the main
waste has been dislodged and evacuated. Further, water is needed to
re-establish an odor seal in the trap. Also, water needs to be
available to clean the entire circumference of the bowl. These
additional requirements complicate the design of low water usage
toilets.
[0008] One way to improve the efficiency of cleaning is to
pressurize the cleaning supply of water. However, this can
unacceptably increase the cost of the toilet.
[0009] Another approach is to split the rim flow into two unequal
branches. See e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,930,167 and 6,397,405. However,
prior systems of this type could have evacuation issues at low
water usage rates.
[0010] Another approach is to use a tapered passage at the bottom
of the bowl near the bowl outlet (a/k/a a "jet") to more
efficiently start the siphon out of the bowl. See e.g. U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,218,726, 5,283,913 and 6,145,138. However, achieving
adequate cleaning along the sides of the bowl is difficult with low
water usage when a substantial portion of the water has been
diverted for jet use.
[0011] Yet another approach is to use a multi-loop vortex flow
approach. See e.g. U.S. patent application publication
2004/0040080. This takes energy out of the water before it reaches
the siphon trap, which could be problematic.
[0012] In U.S. patent application publication 2003/0115664 there
was a toilet disclosed with some rim flow along a right branch,
some rim flow along a left branch, and some flow down and straight
ahead. However, this design had certain inefficiencies which
constrained the reduction in water usage. For example, water
entered at a right angle to the rim, thereby dissipating cleaning
energy. Further, some water was used in an opposing manner.
[0013] It is therefore desired to develop further improved toilets
to reduce water usage without undesirably compromising cleaning or
other water closet performance characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In one embodiment the present invention provides a toilet
which has a bowl having an upper rim channel and a water
distribution structure for delivering water from a water supply to
the bowl. The water distribution structure has an entry suitable to
link with the water supply (e.g. a toilet tank or Flushometer type
supply) and at least three exit channels.
[0015] A first of the exit channels communicates with the rim
channel so as to provide at least counter clockwise flow around a
first side of the rim channel. A second of the exit channels
communicates with the rim channel so as to provide at least
clockwise flow around an opposed side of the rim channel from the
first side of the rim channel. A third of the exit channels
communicates with a rearward portion of the rim channel.
[0016] The rim channel has a first enlarged opening to the bowl
adjacent a rearward portion of the bowl, and a second enlarged
opening to the bowl adjacent a forward portion of the bowl. The
water distribution structure is configured so that when water is
delivered to the rim channel a vortex of water will be developed in
the bowl.
[0017] In preferred forms the third exit channel is configured to
feed water to the rim channel at an angle relative to the rim
channel. Also, the first exit channel is suitable to carry a
greater volume of water than the second exit channel (e.g. its
cross sectional area is greater), and the first and second exit
channels are each suitable to carry greater volumes of water than
the third exit channel.
[0018] In another preferred form of the invention the toilet bowl
has a forward-to-back vertical central plane. The first and third
exit channels link with the rim channel on one side of the vertical
central plane and the second exit channel links with the rim
channel on an opposite side of the vertical central plane.
[0019] In still other forms of the invention the first and second
enlarged openings each have a central point on the same side of the
vertical central plane, the bowl is provided with an integral
rearward extension, the water distributor is integrally formed
along the rearward extension, and the rim channel is an open rim
style rim channel in which a gap between sides of the rim channel
is varied to form the enlarged openings.
[0020] With this embodiment of the invention, entering water from
the tank or other supply is thus split into three flows. One flow
directly enters the bowl near its rear from the rim channel.
Another flow, the primary flow, joins that first flow in part and
in addition serves two other functions. One function is to wash one
side of the bowl. Another is to pass almost to the front of the
bowl and then enter the bowl in a large stream. Yet another flow is
primarily to wash the opposite side of the bowl, albeit most
preferably it also assists in washing the upper rear of the
bowl.
[0021] Importantly, the water enters the rim channels at an angle
so as to keep the energy of the water largely intact. Surprisingly,
the flow from the essentially forward (e.g. one o'clock or
alternatively 11 o'clock) position avoids the need for a jet,
thereby permitting all flow to enter from the rim channel in the
preferred embodiments.
[0022] In another aspect the invention provides a toilet having a
bowl with an upper rim channel, and a water distribution structure
for delivering water from a water supply to the bowl. The water
distribution structure has an entry suitable to link with the water
supply and at least two exit channels.
[0023] A first of the exit channels communicates with the rim
channel so as to provide both a counter clockwise flow and a
clockwise flow around a first side of the rim channel if water is
supplied to the toilet. There is also a second of the exit channels
which communicates with the rim channel so as to provide a flow
pattern selected from the group consisting of clockwise flow and
counter clockwise flow around an opposed side of the rim channel
from the first side of the rim channel if water is supplied to the
toilet.
[0024] The rim channel has a first enlarged opening to the bowl
adjacent a rearward portion of the bowl, and a second enlarged
opening to the bowl adjacent a forward portion of the bowl. The
water distribution structure is configured so that if water is
delivered to the rim channel a vortex of water will be developed in
the bowl.
[0025] Regardless of the aspect of the invention applied, as a
result, with less water usage, effective cleaning can be achieved.
The water is used in a way to also facilitate rinsing, evacuation
and re-seal.
[0026] Current tests indicate that effective cleaning can be
achieved at 1.6 gallons per flush, and further indicate that these
toilets may provide effective cleaning with even lower levels of
water use per flush. Such toilets can be manufactured using
conventional molding techniques, without significant additional
costs above those experienced with conventional cast toilets.
[0027] These and still other advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent, and the invention will be better
understood, by reference to the following description of preferred
embodiments of the present invention which follows (with reference
to the accompanying drawings).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a toilet according
to the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a lower, left fragmentary perspective view of a
portion of the toilet of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a lower, right fragmentary perspective view of the
toilet of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4A is a top view of the toilet of FIG. 1, without the
water tank, at the initiation of a flush cycle;
[0032] FIG. 4B is a view similar to that of 4A, but with the flush
progressing into a cleaning vortex;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
5-5 in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
6-6 in FIG. 4A;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
7-7 in FIG. 4A;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
8-8 in FIG. 4A;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
9-9 in FIG. 4A;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
toilet according to present invention, similar to FIG. 5, but
illustrating instead a holed rim structure instead of an open rim
design; and
[0039] FIG. 11 is a top view of still another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B and 5, there is shown a toilet 20 which includes a
bowl 22 with a rim 24 at an upper extent 26 of bowl 22. Rim 24 has
a rim channel 28 therein. Bowl 22 can be conceptually considered to
have a central vertical plane 30.
[0041] There is a water tank 32, which may have the usual internal
flush valve, flush actuator and other fittings as are required (not
shown). Alternatively, toilet 10 can be a tankless design which is
directly connected to line water pressure via a Flushometer type
valve (also not shown). Bowl 22 discharges into a trap and drain
line (also not shown).
[0042] A rear extension 34 can extend from rim 24. It includes a
water distributor structure 36 which is in communication with both
the water supply and three exit channels 38, 40 and 42. The exit
channels in turn are in fluid communication with the rim channel
28. Channels 38, 40, 42 extend at corresponding angles 46, 48, 50
respectively. Each of the channels 38, 40, 42 are nonparallel with
the vertical central plane 30.
[0043] Angle 46 is greater than angle 48, and angle 50 is greater
than angle 48, for optimal vortex formation. Channel 38 and channel
40 are on the same side of vertical central plane 30 as each other,
and channel 42 is on an opposite side.
[0044] While three exit channels are preferred, it should be
appreciated that to address particular concerns with particular
style toilets one or more additional exit channels may be also
used. Further, where one of the exit channels provides both
clockwise and counter clockwise flow due to its angle of entry and
positioning, in some cases only two exit channels need be used.
[0045] In any event, in our preferred embodiment, channel 38 has a
larger cross-sectional area 52 than channel 40 with its
cross-sectional area 54, or that of channel 42 and its
cross-sectional area 56. The cross-sectional area 56 is in turn
preferably larger than cross-sectional area 54. These further
facilitate vortex formation, as well as help facilitate evacuation
of the bowl. For example, channel 38 could take 33% to 45% of the
total flow, channel 42 could take 27% to 39% of the total flow, and
channel 40 could take 21% to 33% of the total flow.
[0046] Rim 24 of toilet 20 has gaps 58, 59, 60, 61 (FIGS. 5-9)
which allow the flush water to exit continuously from rim channel
28 into bowl 22, albeit at different rates at different places
depending on the gap's size. Two distinct sections of the larger
gaps 60, 61 in rim 24 designates a first biasing flow
aperture/enlarged opening 62 having a first center 64 and a second
biasing flow aperture/enlarged opening 66 having a second center
68. Center 68 is preferably -30 degrees to +30 degrees from
straight forward, and center 64 is preferably -30 degrees to +30
degrees from rear.
[0047] The orientation and design of biasing flow
apertures/enlarged openings 62, 66, in conjunction with the
orientation and design of channels 38, 40, 42, create first biasing
flow 70 and second biasing flow 72, which merge in the vicinity of
sump area 74. This merging/collision, along with the other rim wash
76 emanating from secondary flow apertures 77, develops into a
vortex flow 78 which exits toilet 20 through an outlet 80 in sump
area 74, overcomes the verge of the toilet trap, helps creates a
siphon discharging the contents of bowl 22 into the trap and sewer
line, and then recreates the bowl seal.
[0048] Center 64 and center 68 are in this embodiment on a same
side of the vertical central plane 30. Bowl 22 has a water inlet
side 82, and a forward side 84 opposite water inlet side 82, where
the first biasing flow aperture/enlarged opening 62 can be on water
inlet side 82, and second biasing flow aperture/enlarged opening 66
can be on forward side 84.
[0049] Gap 58 can be the same or different than gap 59. Similarly,
gap 60 can be the same or different than gap 61. Gaps 60, 61 are
larger than gaps 58, 59.
[0050] Note that the narrowing of gaps 58 and 59 relative to gap 60
serves a number of functions. For one thing, it permits more of the
water from channel 38 to reach the enlarged opening 66, while still
permitting some water to flow down the bowl sides near 77.
[0051] For another, it helps deliver the water to a rim tapering
area 90 in sufficient amounts that the water speed is accelerated
as it is delivered to the opening 66. This added boost further
assists in evacuation and vortex formation.
[0052] It should also be noted that water coming out of channel 42
primarily flows clockwise as shown by arrow 91. However, there is
also a secondary flow 92 counter clockwise to help clean the rear
portion of the upper bowl. This is important because channel 40 is
angled away from that region of the bowl to preserve the energy of
the water.
[0053] Toilet 20 can include mounting holes 86, 87 for respectively
mounting water tank 32 and a toilet seat (not shown), and tank
inlet hole 88 for providing access for the water tank 32 water
inlet (not shown).
[0054] The embodiment of toilet 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 has a
rim channel 28 that discharges through a continuous gap, an "open
rim" type design. However, the present invention can also be
applied to other types of rim channels. For example, FIG. 10
illustrates toilet 90 which has a rim channel 92 wherein the first
biasing flow aperture comprises a first water delivery slot 94
along an underside of the rim, and the second biasing flow aperture
comprises a second water delivery slot 96 along the underside of
the rim. The secondary flow apertures comprise at least one
additional water delivery hole 98 in the rim each smaller than
first water delivery hole 94 and/or second water delivery hole 96.
Other aspects of the toilet 90 are the same or similar to toilet
20.
[0055] Although the embodiments of FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a
counterclockwise vortex flow, the present invention can be adapted
for clockwise flow as illustrated in FIG. 11. In this regard,
toilet 100 has channels 38, 40, 42, which have been placed on the
respective other side of the vertical central plane 30 when
compared to the placement in toilet 20. Similarly, although not
shown, the first biasing flow aperture and the second biasing flow
aperture are placed on the respective other side of the vertical
central plane 30 when compared to the corresponding placement in
toilet 20, to produce first biasing flow 102 and second biasing
flow 104, which results a clockwise vortex flow 106. This
arrangement can be applied to the open rim arrangement of toilet 20
or the hole arrangement of toilet 90, or some combination
thereof.
[0056] Further, it should be noted that while flow has been
described in the rim channel with reference to both clockwise and
counter clockwise flow, it is highly desirable that these mixed
direction flows quickly result in a one direction vortex. Hence,
for flow out of channel 42 it is desirable for most of the
clockwise energy to be out of the water when it starts dropping
along the bowl sides. This can be achieved by elongating channel 42
relative to channel 38, and also by widening the rim channel from 6
o'clock to 12 o'clock.
[0057] We also prefer to have embodiments where when the flush
cycle starts the first water enters from channel 38 as compared to
channel 42. This further facilitates vortex formation. We achieve
this by having channel 38 longer than 42.
[0058] Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to
just the described most preferred embodiments. Rather, in order to
ascertain the full scope of the invention, the claims which follow
should be referenced.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0059] The present invention provides a toilet with reduced water
usage while retaining effective cleaning and other performance.
* * * * *